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Friday, February 20, 2015

Technique with tea bag and Orly Nail Rescue to patch nail break

Hello lovely readers!! I've been asked to post about how I patched up my most recent nail break! You may have seen I posted a sad sad photo of the break on my fb page and my Instagram. I am not a nail tech nor do I consider myself any kind of authority or expert...but given the fact this patch has lasted 5 weeks now and through many many many nail polish changes..I might just have a good thing going here :D

Here's step 4 in photo above and below - (all steps listed below!) before the application of glue and powder to the top of it, (and obviously before I snipped it to appropriate size.)

Above you see how it looked after Step 6. I applied another drop of glue to that mess and let dry. Then I buffed out the rough spots.

The above and below photos show how it looks today. You can see the break line has grown out considerably. I wouldn't even cry if the patch finally gave way and I had to file them all to this length.

So, my procedure was simple.

1. Swab the nail plate with acetone for good adhesion.

2. Clean and cut a section of tea bag.

3. Apply a thin layer of nail glue (including in between sections of the break) and make sure the broken off piece of nail is close against the rest of the nail and laying as flatly as possible, hold it together for a few seconds (with tip of tweezer or dotter tool) to help it set.

4. Lay the tea bag on top with a tweezer and add another drop of glue. Spread it out with the tip of glue applicator if necessary. Cut tea bag to fit the space on nail.

5. Put a drop of glue UNDERNEATH the nail as well! I usually get some glue run off onto my skin but don't worry too much about that. I swipe the excess with pure acetone and/or wait for it to crumble off in the shower.

6. Dip nail into Orly Nail Rescue powder.

7. Add one more drop of glue and let completely dry. (This may take longer thank you think it should with 5 second glue. I allow it to dry for at least 5 minutes not seconds!)

That's it. I only use Zoya Remove for polish removal. When it feels like the top layer of glue has gotten worn down or the rough edges are appearing again I reapply and smooth another drop of glue. I only needed to do this twice in over 5 weeks!

Just yesterday I decided that the break grew out enough that I could soak off the patch..it does get kind of annoying with the underside all glued up..stuff gets stuck under it and it shows dirt easily. Yick. But worth it if it saves your nail for such a long time! I really think that is the secret weapon here...glue with powder the underside of the nail as well as the top. I soaked in pure acetone and most of the layerings came off easily...and yet..my broken tip is still strongly attached! It's amazing how well this is holding. So I guess I'll keep it on even longer!

And there you have it! Really hope this info helps you and you found it easy to follow and replicate!

That's an awesome tutorial. I was always wondering how they patch the breaks with the tea bags and here it is! I tend to keep my nails short, because of my job, but who knows, maybe it will come in handy one day when (if) my nails are longer. Thanks Victoria :*

Aw the dreaded nail break! This is a great technique but I never remember to try it. I have used Orly's Nail Rescue before back in the day, but my nail turned out all wonky and thick haha. Yours looks very sturdy!

Wow! I have been using resin and silk wraps, and they only last a few days before they start separating from my nail, though that is after a few polish changes, too. I have also been using soak off gel over the patches for added strength. I'll try almost anything to get stronger, longer nails!